Sky's hit comedy Brassic gets its first Christmas special, and any doubts fans may have had that the show would come over all gooey and sentimental for the festive season are quickly dispelled by the opening scene.

To the tune of Silent Night, biblical pair Joseph and Mary and their donkey find themselves outside Jim's house asking for shelter, and are greeted by the grumpy farmer who replies: 'What the (expletive deleted) do you think I am? Airbnb?'

Yes, a Brassic Christmas was bound to be a rude and crude one as we return to the streets of Hawley to visit Vinnie (Joe Gilgun) and his gang of friends who live on the (slightly) wrong side of the law, growing cannabis, robbing those who usually deserve to be robbed, and generally causing chaos for the local police force.

The festive special is set "last Christmas" – meaning it takes place before the events of season 5, so most of the beloved gang is present, including Cardi, Tommo, Ash, Carol, Erin and JJ (who went AWOL during last season) – and there's no sign of newer characters Meena and Adyan.